Warts treatment

What is a wart?

Warts are caused by the human papilloma virus. A virus requires a host to
replicate, in this instance the virus takes host in the skin cells of the
epidermis (upper layers of the skin) and replicates within. Causing the
wart we all know, most warts are round, firm and raised with a cauliflower
like appearance, but they can occasionally be flat.

What causes warts?

Anyone can catch a wart, they are more often found on surfaces which come
into contact with objects and others such as the hands and face. They are
contagious, and the risk of contamination increases greatly when the skin
is wet, cross-infection can occur directly in contact with another with a
wart, or indirectly such as sharing a towel, a verruca is a wart on the
foot, caused by the same virus usually on a weight bearing area. Warts and
verrucas are harmless, verrucas sometimes cause discomfort but mainly the
problem people have with them is there unsightly appearance.

What is the treatment for warts in podiatry?

Most of the time warts will clear up by themselves, this may take months or
even years. If a wart is bothering you, is painful, or spreading, opting
for treatment may be the best option to speed up the process.

Wart treatments aim to destroy the infected tissue, this will usually
involve reduction of any overlying non-viable tissue, and the application
of an acid to the area, or freezing it. It is impossible to estimate when a
wart will resolve, some go on their own, some will fall off after one
treatment, others will persist and require more sessions.

Our podiatrists will be able to advise you on the best possible treatment
for your following an initial assessment, and advise you on aftercare and
prevention of the wart spreading or returning.

To receive podiatry treatment for your wart you can arrange an appointment
by emailing us on office@chiropody.co.uk or call 0330 088 4222.